Replies

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 05, 2007 09:53am | #1

   The overall difference is that one is a rip blade (Freud LM74, glue-line rip) and one is an "all purpose" blade (the Forrest Woodworker II).  The LM74 has 30 teeth, the WWerII has 40, the hook angle is quite different (12° v. 20° for the WWerII).  The tooth configuration is different -- the rip blade is a triple-chip grind, whereas the all-purpose blade has the traditional ATB (alternate top bevel).  These are two totally different blades -- the Forrest is supposed to fit the "one blade does it all" dream, the Freud GLR is a rip blade for those who hope to skip the jointer process.

   If one were to try and use one of these blades for the other's purpose(s), disappointment would ensure.  Triple-chip grind emphasizes long-wearability (sorry, is that a word?), but isn't going to be your best choice for chip-free crosscuts <grin>.  It'll last alot longer than an ATB blade, though, when used for ripping hardwood, and I suspect put less stress on the saw (a factor for those who're using 1.5HP motors).

   The LM74 is stated to be best with woods <1" thick.  For the thicker woods, the Freud line blades have fewer teeth (24 or 18) and a higher hook angle (20°).

   My feed technique isn't so perfect that I don't get some burning periodically, so glue-line rip is of no interest to me.  I use a 24T Diablo blade from Home Depot, it cuts great, and is kind to my old saw.

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-) 
   

1. 
   CardiacPaul | Mar 05, 2007 05:14pm | #2

   I was told by my tool supplier that the glueline blade was designed for larger more powerful saws. I have a dewalt 10" for job sites and he told me that saw is under powered for that blade. He sold me a thinner kerf rip blade from frued designed for smaller saws. that all being said the thinner kerf blade & the glueline both work very well in my saw, yes the saw works a  little harder with the glueline but the results are very good.

   have great day, Paul

1. 
   forestgirl | Mar 05, 2007 08:35pm | #3

   The Diablo rip blade I use (Diablo is a Freud line) is a thin kerf blade and, yes, it's pretty easy on the saw.  They also make TK blades in their industrial (LU) line, which may be what your tool guy sold you.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)